Falcons jump into day two of the NFL Draft

11Alive Staff and WXIA , WXIA10:09 PM. EST May 09, 2014

Former Minnesota defensive lineman RaShede Hageman takes part in position drills during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 24, 2014 in Indianapolis, Indiana.(Photo: Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

If players were chosen purely on raw physical ability, Hageman would have been a Top 10 overall selection. Hageman is 6-6, 310 and highly athletic. His play, however, was very inconsistent as a senior.

The Falcons made it a priority to become bigger and more physical. The rebuild began with the acquisition of Paul Soliai and Tyson Jackson during free agency. Hageman, meanwhile, is an ideal defensive end for the 3-4 front. Hageman is long, strong and athletic.

In the third round, the Falcons picked up safety Dezmen Southward from Wisconsin.

According to USA Today, Southward adds versatility to the Falcons offense. He started at both cornerback and safety during his career with the Badgers. Last season, Southward started at safety and would slide to the slot against multiple-receiver sets. He's very fluid in his back pedal, but he regularly gets beaten by double moves.

Wisconsin free safety Dezmen Southward speaks to the media during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadum. Southward was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the 3rd round of the NFL Draft.
(Photo: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports)